The beautiful and the unexpected have always mesmerized Noor Fares, the young Lebanese-born jewelry designer who was raised in Paris. Her mother and grandmother have set a standard for her elegance and inspiring style. After obtaining a degree in History of Art from Tufts University in Boston, she returned to jewelry – which has always influenced her in her youth – and took courses at the GIA that have enriched her knowledge of precious stones.

With a master’s in jewelry design from the Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design, she established her eponymous brand in 2009. Azyaamode had the opportunity to interview her and get up-close and personal with her and her latest collection, Akasha.

You are very affected by your mother and the way she collected jewelry. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

I was surrounded by very strong and creative women in my family that were a point of reference to me growing up, but also were very inspiring because they are very different. However, what they have in common is that they are not afraid to take risks and really play around with their style, the way they dress and the way they think. They are quite eccentric and non-conformist. My grandmother was a great inspiration because of the eccentric way she wore her jewelry. She actually used to wear so many pieces at the same time, even though back then the style was classic. She loved jewelry so much and she really shared this passion with me. My aunt was a ready-to-wear designer but through her, I learned about pattern design and the whole process of creation, starting with the idea to finishing a product. As for my mother, she was not only a collector but also a designer. She designs everything, from homeware to jewelry and many different things, and she has also been very much a source of inspiration to me.

You are here in Dubai to unveil your latest collection, Akasha. What is the inspiration behind it?

Akasha means Ether, or air and space and represents the fifth element in the intangible. This collection is mainly inspired by different mandalas or sacred patterns (circle). Each piece represents a different symbol or pattern that have a specific significance. One of them is called Sry Yantra. It represents the balance between masculine and feminine energy with interlocking triangles that point upwards and downwards. I also used a pattern called the flower of life, and it is a symbol that represents creation, while another piece is inspired by an Indian amulet called Navratna. Navratna means 9 gems, and each one of those gem stones represents a different planet. And it is believed that they must be worn all together to channel the planets’ influences unto you.

All in all, this collection is an interpretation of an Indian talisman. The symbol says that the red garnet has to be at the center, so I was true to the authenticity of the symbol.

In July, you introduced the first installment of this collection, followed by the second one during Paris Fashion Week. What separates these two installments from each other?

My collections are always around a theme or a story and I launch them at a specific time. So generally, I launch one collection a year, and throughout the year I develop further chapters based on this one story.

Which of your designs constituted a turning point in the journey of your brand so far?

I would say the Fly Me to the Moon earrings, which were part of one collection that I launched. They captured a lot of attention and they became one of our bestsellers. Since then I kept them as a core part of the collections and I developed them every season in different materials and different stones.

What is the only piece that you do not leave home without?

It is my engagement ring. I never take it off. I sleep with it; I go to the workshop with it. I do everything with it. I also wear jewelry in phases. For example, I will wear this pinkie ring, which is from this collection, for a few months and then I will move on to something else.

You are a believer that jewelry affects your mood. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Yes definitely, stones as well, I often wear crystal. I really believe that stones in general send vibes and can bring you healing properties, whether they are calming or they enhance femininity. For example, rose quartz enhances feminine energy; quartz in general brings you positive energy, and is considered a conductor of energy. It is a very personal thing.

What is next for Noor Fares?

One of my dreams is to start working with more special stones, and design more high jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces. Also down the line, I would love to open my first shop in London.

Where are you present today in the Middle East and elsewhere?

In the Middle East, I sell in Lebanon at Sylvie Saliba, in Jeddah at a store called Boutique M. The brand is also present in Dubai and I will soon be collaborating with Obad in Kuwait. My jewelry designs are also available on Net-A-Porter and I will launch my own e-commerce portal this summer. 

Mirella Haddad